38 BULLETIN 1061, U. S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE. 
Fig. 4.- — Early development of longleaf pine. 
a. Seedling in October or November from 2 to 4 weeks after fall of seed. 
6. Appearance a few days later, when the empty seed coat has been shed. 
c. By January to March the true leaves (in sheaths with 1, 2, or 3 leaves) are ex- 
panding as shown. 
d. During the first season after germination the plant develops a very short stem, 
above the taproot, supporting clusters of long true leaves. The early seed leaves, or 
cotyledons, it will be noted, have been shed. 
e. A dense tuft of long, slender, drooping leaves, the whole gradually expanding and 
massed on a short, stout stem, gives longleaf pine its characteristic appearance during 
the first 3 to 5 years. It is this mass of green foliage and the so-called " asbestos " bud 
that enables longleaf to persist through repeated fires. Below is developed the very 
heavy, long tap root and strong laterals, which in other pines usually accompany saplings 
2 to 6 feet in height. (From Forest Service Bulletin 13.) 
